The Lake Lucero Tour is a ranger-guided trip to the source of the white sands. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling monument headquarters at (575) 679-2599 or 479-6124, Extension 236. A special use fee is charged for the tour: $3.00 per person ages 16 and older, $1.50 for children and to holders of the Golden Age Pass. National Park/Golden Eagle Passports and the White Sands Annual Pass do not apply for this special tour.

The tour will begin at the Small Missile Range Gate intersection with US Highway 70, 25 miles west of White Sands National Monument headquarters, between mileposts 174 and 175. The trip will return to the Small Missile Range Gate three hours after the start time.  Participants will drive their own vehicles 17 miles over paved roads across the White Sands Missile Range to the Lake Lucero trailhead, then hike 3/4 mile to the lake.

All vehicles should have a spare tire and sufficient gasoline for the 34-mile round trip to the Lake Lucero trailhead. Each person should have sufficient drinking water, a snack if desired, sunglasses, sunscreen, stout walking shoes, and suitable dress for the weather. Cameras may not be used while passing through the missile range, but are encouraged for use while at the monument lake area.

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Upcoming Tours:

2 p.m.  Saturday, January 31, 2009

2 p.m.  Sunday, February 22, 2009

9 a.m.  Saturday, March 28, 2009

9 a.m.  Sunday, April 26, 2009

5 p.m.  Saturday, May 30, 2009

6 p.m.  Saturday, June 27, 2009

5 p.m.  Saturday, July 25, 2009

5 p.m.  Saturday, August 29, 2009

9 a.m.  Sunday, September 27, 2009

9 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009

10 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2009

2 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2009
10 a.m. Saturday, December 26, 2009
2 p.m. Saturday, December 26, 2009